In your search to find the best ways to protect the chrome from deteriorating, have you come across ceramic coating?
Some of the common ways of protecting chrome include waxing and polishing. On the other hand, ceramic coating is also an excellent method of protecting the paint.
Using this information, it is understandable why you may consider using a ceramic coating to safeguard your chrome without losing its shine. But, can you ceramic coat over chrome?
Sure you can. Ceramic coating can be used to preserve polished aluminum, paint, powder coat, and even chrome.
Similar to how you would apply it on other surfaces when ceramic coating over chrome, preparation, and application technique are critical factors that will determine the outcome.
Therefore, if you plan on ceramic coating chrome, familiarize yourself with how to do it correctly. Or take it to a professional.
What is a Ceramic Coat?
Ceramic coating is undeniably one of the best products that can help you preserve the finish of your car’s exterior. From the paint down to chrome wheels, a ceramic coat will ensure your vehicle looks as good as new.
Unlike polishing and waxing, ceramic coating doesn’t need to be applied or maintained that frequently.
This is a chemical polymer solution designed to bond to surfaces such as chrome and safeguard them from external damage.
The unique feature of ceramic coat is that it blends with the look of the surface. Therefore, when applied to chrome, it doesn’t affect the shine.
The only thing it does is to add a layer of protection. Ceramic coating doesn’t in any way touch or affect the chrome.
If you are tired of polishing and waxing the chrome on your car, this is an excellent alternative.
It does the same job of keeping stain marks, grime, and dirt at bay. Only that you don’t have to apply or maintain it as much as waxing and polishing.
This product creates a semi-permanent layer on the chrome surface. And even though it may wear eventually, it holds up for way longer than most protective products.
Pros of Ceramic Coating Chrome
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Prevents deterioration of chrome
Oxidation is caused by a wide range of things such as debris, dirt, moisture, brake dust, and minerals. The added layer of protection ensures that the above ingredients do not touch the chrome surface when you ceramic coat chrome.
Therefore, no oxidation will take place. Oxidation is a common factor that deteriorates chrome. It is responsible for pitting.
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Ceramic coating protects your chrome from stain marks
Because of its reflective finish, stains on chrome look terrible. With a touch of ceramic coating, you will never have to worry about this.
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It makes the chrome easier to clean
When this chemical polymer forms on your chrome, because of its hydrophobic properties, it makes the surface capable of repelling water. As a result, when water or grime lands on the chrome, it slides away very easily.
Cons of Ceramic Coating Chrome
Being a superior form of car surface protection, one may think that ceramic coating will protect your chrome from everything.
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It is not ‘bullet-proof’
Even though it does provide a fair amount of paint protection, the ceramic coating won’t stand against rock chips and scratch marks. If the chrome being coated is on the front bumpers, you will have to deal with the effects of rock chips.
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You will still have to deal with hard water spots
Ceramic coating is hydrophobic, and water will slide off it easily. What won’t come off are hard water stains, which are left behind when water evaporates. There you will have to clean by hand.
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You will need to clean it regularly
Finally, just because you have ceramic-coated chrome, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean it regularly.
The protective layer will not miraculously protect chrome for the rest of its life. You have to wash the chrome surface regularly. Doing this will increase the life of the coating as well.
Is Ceramic Coating Chrome Worth It?
The ceramic coating does have its perks and drawbacks. With this layer of protection on your car, you don’t have to worry about pitting or oxidation.
Secondly, it isn’t as tedious as polishing or waxing, which has to be done regularly. Nonetheless, it doesn’t fully protect your Chrome.
Ceramic coats do wear out with time, and there is also the issue that, if applied incorrectly, it may dim the shininess of chrome.
It is also a little bit more costly than polishing or waxing. You may even have to pay an expert to ceramic coat the chrome for you.
Will Ceramic Coat Compromise the Shininess of Chrome?
There has been a lot of speculation revolving around the effects of ceramic coats on the shininess of chrome. Some people claim that ceramic coats will tint chrome, thus affecting the shininess.
This depends on how well the coating has been applied and if the surface was prepped adequately. If you have chrome on your car, chances are, you are very fascinated by its shininess and wouldn’t want that to be tampered with.
If the surface is not cleaned and prepped adequately, a ceramic coat layer can dull the chrome. However, if done correctly, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Later on, we are going to take you through a guide on how to ceramic coat chrome. If you doubt your ability, we would recommend that you take it to a professional auto body shop instead of getting it wrong.
Will Ceramic Coat Withstand Heat on Chromed Exhausts or Engine Pipes?
If the chromed parts you want to ceramic coat are located near the engine or exhaust system, you need to think twice about ceramic coating them.
The ideal products to be used in areas such as exhaust pipes should be high-temperature ceramic coats. These often can withstand temperatures of up to 3,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a ceramic coating that can withstand high heat, you don’t have to worry about it being melted away.
How Do I Apply a Ceramic Coat on Chrome?
The process of ceramic coating chrome, as mentioned earlier, is doable. And if you are willing to, you can learn how to do it correctly below.
Most of us often rush our cars into detailing shops, yet some of these things we can do in our garage and save a lot of money.
Before we can start with the process of ceramic coating chrome, you need to understand the importance of surface preparation.
Chrome is no different than paint. If the surface isn’t thoroughly cleaned, forget about the ceramic coat lasting for long on the car. Secondly, the final finish won’t look that good. Therefore, follow keenly the steps described below.
1st Step – Wash the Chrome
A ceramic coat can’t bond to a surface that has residue on it. This is why you should strip clean anything that is on the chrome.
We recommend the use of wax and gloss-free soap. Because we want the surface to be left naked, clean the area thoroughly with water and soap. Rinse as many times till you ensure the chrome is 100% clean.
2nd Step – Clay Bar
To ensure the surface is clean and free from residue, clay it. A clay bar removes contaminants that may have bonded to the surface of the chrome.
Claying is an essential step as it ensures that contaminants that may not have been removed by washing are not left behind.
3rd Step – Polish to Remove Imperfections
Even if the chrome is new, there may be some slight imperfections on the surface, such as scratches. This is where polishing comes in. To remove these imperfections, polish the surface of the chrome gently.
If you apply ceramic coat directly on chrome that hasn’t been polished, any scratches or swirl marks will be locked inside, and you will have to deal with them for a long time since the ceramic coat is semi-permanent.
4th Step – Wipe the Surface
The importance of doing this is to remove any oils or waxes on the chrome’s surface. A clean microfiber towel should do just the trick.
5th Step – Apply the Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating can come in the form of liquid or spray. The latter is easier to apply. Irrespective of how it is packaged.
You need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ceramic coatings that come in the form of a liquid are accompanied by an applicator pad. Ensure that you shake the bottle thoroughly before use, soak the applicator pad, and wipe it on the surface in an up-and-down motion.
When spraying, point it on the surface and evenly blast the contents onto the chrome. When you are done, always buff the chrome to remove excess product.
The coating should start to dry. And after a couple of hours, you will notice a rainbow effect. This is a normal process of ceramic coat drying on chrome.
Buff it with a microfiber towel until it goes away. Keep an eye on the coating as it dries, and do not let it become super hazy as this won’t clear easily.